Only 3 weeks ago it looked like the Green Bay Blizzard was in
serious trouble. After starting the 2006 season 2-1, they had
dropped 3 straight to fall to 2-4 and were looking at a very
difficult schedule the rest of the way. But their troubles did not
break their spirit, and the Blizzard has steadily climbed their way
back with a 3-game winning streak, capped by Saturday night's 56-51
victory over the Albany Conquest.

The Blizzard opened the 2006 season at home against the Conquest,
who handed them a 48-40 defeat in front of the largest home crowd in
franchise history. When the Blizzard headed to Albany on Saturday,
they had payback on their minds.

Continuing with their practice of opening up early leads, the
Blizzard staked themselves to a 14-0 advantage in the 1st quarter,
but the Conquest was game, tying the score at 14 apiece by the end
of the first period.

In the 2nd quarter, the Blizzard extended their lead to 28-14 with a
pair of TDs, and then the teams traded scores to make the score 35-
28. Just before halftime, the Conquest were threatening score again,
but a strong defensive showing held them to only a FG, and the
Blizzard went into the locker room with a 35-24 lead that they would
never relinquish.

The 3rd quarter was relatively uneventful, with each team scoring
only once. The real action came in the 4th quarter, when the
Conquest put on a rabid comeback attempt. The Conquest was able to
cut the lead to 42-38 and was poised to take the lead when the
Blizzard D forced an INT, returning it for a TD and a 49-38 lead. On
the ensuing kickoff the Blizzard would strike again, forcing a
fumble that led to yet another TD, which stretched their lead to 56-
38.

The Conquest would not go quietly, as they mounted another near-
comeback. A quick TD, a recovered onside kick and another TD brought
the Conquest to within 5, but after a failed 2-point conversion
attempt and an unsuccessful onside attempt, the Blizzard stood
strong and closed out the game 56-51.